What’s the best part about Halloween? – well besides the candy, of course! When I was growing up, my favorite part about Halloween was the possibility of being anything I wanted to be, even if just for a day. Superman, a cowgirl, army men, scarecrows, the Cheshire Cat, and Darth Vader – these are all characters that kids can step into the shoes of in the name of good fun and treats.

But, what about the rest of the year? Does your child imagine herself as an engineer, a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, a veterinary technician, or a writer? As a community of staff, parents, and volunteers who want to see all of our students reach their dreams and their fullest potentials in life, it is our job to help our children see themselves in these roles too! Because, it is possible for them to be anything they want to and not just on Halloween!

So, how do we, as a community, build them up to have the confidence to pursue their educational dreams?

We should be constantly encouraging them to pursue their interests, through speech and through action. As a volunteer working in the classroom, you can speak positively and openly about your career experiences, what led you to the work that you do, and what it’s like to be in your shoes. It’s essential for students to have those community role models. As a staff member, in the school environment, we see when children are expressing a true interest in a subject, and we can encourage that activity by saying something like “Wow, you are really doing a great job with this! Have you ever thought about a career in…?”

And, as parents, you are the first line of communication when it comes to your child exploring future careers, so talk with them regularly. Ask your child what they are interested in and what they like about school. Speak positively and encouragingly about those interests, and always let them know that you support their dreams and aspirations. It will give them a solid foundation from which they can take off, explore, and succeed.

​What does your child see himself as? Maybe this Saturday, it’s Superman, but maybe in his future, it’s travelling the world as an airline pilot. The possibilities are just as endless as they are attainable.